Rep. Libby Szabo, R-Arvada: “I thought he gave a great speech on how we can work together to bring Colorado back.”

Senate Minority Leader Bill Cadman, R-Colorado Springs: “Overall it was pretty good. He did a better job than last year. It was more complete.”

Tony Gagliardi, Colorado director for the National Federation of Independent Business: “Small-business owners thank the governor for his strong statement reaffirming that government does not create jobs, entrepreneurs create jobs.”

Sen. Cheri Jahn, D-Wheat Ridge: God, I love that man.”

Sen. Ted Harvey, R-Highlands Ranch: “It was a great speech.”

Sen. Nancy Spence, R-Centennial: “I think Hickenlooper hit all the buttons, all of them. He talked about ag, he talked about the Broncos, he talked about all the issues facing the state. I thought it was a very good speech.”

Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling: “I was glad to see Gov. Hickenlooper point out that Colorado agriculture is leading the state out of this recession. We have a governor that actually understands rural issues.”

Senate President Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont: “He gave us a realistic picture of the challenges we face in the coming year.”

House Minority Leader Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver: “Gov. Hickenlooper’s greatest talent is finding the common ground among different constituencies. He showed that again today.”

Owens and Ritter didn’t get nearly the love from members of the opposite party. Consider these gems:

House Minority Leader Dan Grossman, D-Denver, after Owens’ 2002 address: “It was a good campaign speech. It’s clear that the November race has started. But I would have liked to have seen some specifics.”

House Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker, after Ritter’s 2008 address: “In last year’s speech there was no mention of a property tax hike and we got one. And last year he didn’t mention unionizing the state employees and we got that done. So we’ll see where he actually governs vs. the speech.”

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.